The Coaching Carousel

The hopscotch game of college coaches moving has just about run its course for 2010.  The question arises is why are there so many changes and why do coaches feel compelled to move so rapidly.  Intuitively it would seem that by staying in one position, coaches could build a brand, create a solid foundation and have more success as the culture of the coach becomes more ingrained in the program.  Why would Oliver Purnell move from Clemson to DePaul?  Why would Wake Forest hire a coach with a record significantly worse than the coach they just fired?  Maybe the answer to those two questions lie within each.  If leaders do not create a comfortable environment for their inner circle then their relationship is one of convenience and will result in early disconnect.  Leaders must provide a haven for their inner circle by demonstrating unflinching support publicly.  Once there is question in the group as to the commitment of the leader to the individual or his/her program, then the coach (in this situation) is there on borrowed time.  Paranoia, fear or uncertainty encourages the coach to look for a safer challenge and causes uncertainty in the ranks which assuredly creates an atmosphere of limited investment with results being negatively impacted.  Irrespective of your personal feelings, you need to demonstrate  to the masses that you and the coach are on the same page and working together.  When there is disconnect within the echelon of upper leadership of any organization, the results are going to suffer proportionately to the perception of amount discord.  Do not allow the group to ever see any conflict within the leadership function.